Description What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. The World’s Leading Earth & Environment Consultancy WSP is the world’s leading consultancy in the provision of environmental engineering and consultancy services according to Verdantix and Environmental Analyst (2025). Our global community of professionals share resources and expertise across the world, and we assemble bespoke teams to meet the specific needs of each project. Our diverse team of geologists, geotechnical engineers, scientists, and specialists in air quality, biodiversity, water, waste, social value, health and safety, climate and ESG, combine technical expertise and international best practice, with a deep understanding of local regulations and cultures. Our team’s work covers every stage of a project’s life cycle, from initial environmental impact assessment and socioeconomic studies to feasibility, design, permitting, planning, and operations, to decommissioning and asset remediation. COMMERCIAL FUNCTION In our commercial function our job is clear “To help our teams manage the risks and realise the opportunities in bidding, winning and delivering great projects.”. This is underpinned by the following: - Providing leadership in commercial matters; directly with clients, making business easy and WSP easy to do business with. Developing commercial best practice, process and resources (careers) in support of WSP’s strategy. Demonstrating the value from the commercial role Focussing action on strategic themes of governance, risk and opportunity with all stakeholders. Providing dispute resolution support to the business. Be a champion for our Projects First approach. ROLE The Commercial Lead for the Planning and Consents business will report to the Commercial Director for Environment, Planning, Energy and Sustainability (EPES). On a day to day basis the Commercial Lead will support the Managing Director, Operations Director and Discipline Leads for the Planning and Consents business (P&C) in a business partner role. The Commercial Lead will be a core member of the Senior Leadership Team and attend the Operational Leadership Team meetings for the P&C business. The Commercial Lead will support Project Directors on the delivery of major portfolio projects to minimise commercial risk and maximise financial returns in line with the discipline’s objectives. The Commercial Lead will also contribute to the wider EPES commercial team, comprising the legal team, price to win leads and other commercial leads. CORE Responsibilities Work Winning Take a leading role in shaping major bids and strategic pursuits, working collaboratively with the Operations Director, and the price to win and legal team to develop win themes and to understand and manage key risks. Supporting the discipline Operations Director with discipline and UK level governance. Working with Project Directors to ensure effective hand over to our delivery teams. Project Delivery / Working Capital Management Provide leadership, guidance and assistance to the business to strengthen our approach to change management and payment, providing direct interventions to support Project Directors where necessary. Be a champion for change, providing leadership, mentoring and training to improve project outturns. Dispute Resolution Working closely with the Legal Team, ensure that the business proactively manages and supports resolution of fee disputes, potential and actual claims. Continual Improvement Be an active member of the WSP Commercial Team contributing to decision making and identifying business improvement opportunities; and contributing to the development of an enhanced commercial culture in the business. Work with the SLT and OLT to define an appropriate commercial structure to support the P&C business as it grows and develops. Raise commercial awareness and performance through regular feedback, meetings, and training. Review and implement improvements to processes and systems. KEY COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE Leading People - Acts as a “change leader” by encouraging others to embrace change and face new challenges. Has a positive, curious, creative mindset and can work and collaborate across all levels. Demonstrate excellent inter-personal skills with good leadership and management abilities. Provide Leadership and Expertise in collaborative partnering arrangements Commercial negotiation– Has in depth experience of commercial disputes and settlements. Inclusion and Performance - Promotes and engages diverse persepctives fostering inclusion in every area of business operations. Demonstrates courage in decision making and supports, coaches and develops others through respectful, actionable constructuve feedback. Provides encoragement and development to allow all to reach their full potential and achieve maximum performance. Strategic Thinking and Direction – ability to operate and develop a business; forward thinking, capable of visualising and planning for the longer term; capable of identifying, communicating, engaging and drives the implementation of commercial improvement strategies. Projects - Possess a broad range of experience at a multi-disciplinary level. Ability to scan performance and trends to take preventative actions and support areas/projects where problems could manifest. Identify actions, people, process and practice to minimise problem areas and drive improvements. Communication and Influence - Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively and positive influence at all levels as well as internally and externally. Actively champion sharing knowledge, ideas and intelligence. Strong presentation skills, able to lead and facilitate workshops, training sessions and one to one learning. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Clear understanding of core expectations for a high-profile client facing business Proven people and commercial management skills; able to develop/maintain excellent relationships Excellent communication and listening skills with the ability to influence and deal with conflicting priorities and to offer positive solutionsClear commercial acumen with understanding of consultancy services and models and key drivers to improve performance. Demonstrates strong leadership skills and abilities with focus on people management, delegation, accountability and succession. Coming from an relevant industry, consultancy or client organisation would be beneficial Have a relevant degree and professional qualification, MRICS or equivalent. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today. LI-AH1